Dual Camera Installation
Thank you for choosing SureCam for your video security needs. We strive to offer as much support as possible to our clients to allow for an easy installation process. Mounting your SureCam dual-facing camera device can be completed in the steps outlined below. For self installers, please give your self approximately one hour of time for installation on your first vehicle and 30 minutes for each additional vehicle.
Topics Included
What tools do I need for installation?
When completing a self-installation of your SureCam connected camera device, it is important to make sure you have all the necessary tools at hand to make the process run smoothly. Each SureCam connected camera kit comes equipped with the following items:
- A SureCam Camera
- A large and small camera mount with a clip and screw
- An antenna
- An extended power cable
- Two in line fuse holder
- An alcohol wipe
In order to successfully install your connected camera device, we recommend having the following tools on hand as they are not included in your initial kit.
- A Multimeter
- Insulated crimping tool
- Trim removal tools
- Cable ties
- A range of socket wrenches
- A set of torx bits and hex keys OR allen wrenches
- Electrical Tape
- Measuring Tape
- Assorted screwdrivers
Road-Facing Camera Mounting Instructions
What camera mount should I choose?
The SureCam camera has been designed to be a universal in-vehicle camera suitable for all vehicle types. To install the camera, you simply need to select the appropriate mount for your vehicle. Your SureCam connected camera kit comes equipped with two road-facing camera shield options shown below. Also listed is a special order option available upon request:
- Option 1 is ideal for use in vehicle windscreens for passenger cars, LCV’s, and Vans. This shield has been tested in most manufacturer’s vehicles.
- Option 2 is best suited for upright widescreens most commonly found in HGV's.
- Option 3 a specialty (adjustable) mount, shown below, is available upon request and is ideal for custom vehicles that do not necessarily meet the above qualifications. Please reach out to Support@SureCam.com (US clients) or CustomerServiceUK@SureCam.com (global clients) with any additional questions about specialty mounts.
Each mount is equipped with high-quality, self-adhesive black tape on both the bottom and sides of the shield. This ensures that the camera will stay securely in place during travel.
Where should I mount the camera?
The ideal mounting location for your connected camera will vary by vehicle type. We usually recommend placing the mount in an area that will allow for maximum visibility that will not obstruct the driver's view of the road. Also, consider VOSA criteria specific to your vehicle type when choosing a location for the mount.
It should be noted that, per Heavy Goods Vehicle Guidelines, the camera should not be placed in the swept area of the windshield aside from the location where you would find the rear-view mirror. For vehicles with a rear-view mirror in place, the camera can be placed behind, or slightly to the side of the mirror so it is out of the driver's view and will not be a distraction.
Please note that for vehicles with larger hoods, such as Peterbilt or Kenworth models, the best place for the mount is in the upper center portion of the windshield. Clients with these vehicles do best to avoid the exterior sunvisor.
We also find that clients who use the specialty (adjustable) mount often have success mounting it behind the top of the windshield behind the rearview mirror. However, be sure to take in the specifications of your vehicles when preparing to install your connected camera device.
Prepping the windshield
After choosing the mounting location, make sure the area is free of debris and be sure to wipe down the windshield with a lint-free cloth, cleaning solution, or the provided alcohol wipe. Let the area dry completely before attempting to place the mount.
You should also consider the temperature of the windshield before placing the mount. If the vehicle is located in a cold climate, consider running the windshield defrosters. The ideal temperature should be around 71° F or 21° C.
Mark mounting location
To ensure a proper fit on your windshield, you should temporarily assemble your connected camera and your shield mount and attempt to place them in the desired mounting location. To do this, follow the steps outlined below:
Temporarily Mount the Dash Camera to the Camera Shield (Triangular Mount)
- Place the forward-facing camera within the camera shield and ensure the two connector blocks engage with the camera. (To ensure the camera is mounted right-side-up, place the camera in the mount with the power cable protruding from the top of the camera towards the roof of the vehicle.)
- Align the locking clip to the proper location on the camera shield located at the back of
the camera. - Gently tighten the locking clip with the screw using a hex key or screwdriver.
After assembly, place the camera and connected shield in the desired location on the windshield and mark the location. You can then remove and disassemble the camera.
Mounting the shield
With your desired mounting location selected, remove the adhesive tape from the back of the mount. With the wide portion of the mount facing downward (see below), place the mount on the windshield and press down firmly for at least 10 seconds.
After mounting, view the camera from the outside of the vehicle to ensure that the mount has adhered properly to the windshield and that there are no air bubbles along the adhesive strip.
Mounting the Camera
After mounting the shield, please follow the steps below to install the connected camera.
Mounting the Dash Camera to the Installed Camera Shield
- Place the forward-facing camera within the camera shield and ensure the two connector blocks engage with the camera. (To ensure the camera is mounted right-side-up, place the camera in the mount with the power cable protruding from the top of the camera towards the roof of the vehicle.)
- Align the locking clip to the proper location on the camera shield located at the back of the camera.
- Tighten the locking clip with the screw using a hex key or screwdriver to fully secure the camera to the camera shield.
- Please note: The camera should be securely fixed to the mount and unable to move when touched. Do not overly tighten the screw to avoid stripping the screw hole on the camera.
Secondary Camera Mounting Instructions
The SureCam secondary camera is a ball-shaped camera and is most often used in-cab for a
view of the driver or at the back of the vehicle for a rearview perspective. The U-Mount used
for the secondary camera comes equipped with two mounting options to provide you with
maximum flexibility when choosing your mounting location. There are two different options for mounting the secondary camera. The steps for each process are outlined below.
Windshield mount
Determine the Best Position to Mount the Dual Camera
The U-Mount for the dual camera has an adhesive layer allowing you to secure the mount to the windshield. Before removing the adhesive layer, hold the mount in the desired location and mark appropriately the space you would like the camera to be located.
Prepare the Windshield for Installation
Once you have selected the area of the windshield you would like to place the mount on, clean the area with the lint-free cloth. If you use an alcohol-based cleaner, be sure to wait for the area to try before attempting to mount the camera.
Attach the U-Mount to the Windshield
Please note that this step involves mounting the u-mount alone. Mounting the secondary ball camera comes in a later step. Also, be mindful of the angle of the u-mount when preparing to mount to the vehicle as you will want to be sure the ball camera appropriates faces the desired recording area.
Option 1: Windshield Mounting Steps
- Remove the red backing tape and stick the u-mount to the window in the desired
location. - Press firmly around the perimeter of the u-mount, starting from the center and
working your way outward, until it is fixed securely to the windshield. - Visually inspect the u-mount from the front of the vehicle to ensure there are no
bubbles and the adhesive is securely bonded to the window.
Option 2: Screw Mount Method
The U-Mount has two mounting holes that allow it to be secured to a mounting surface using
small self-tapping or countersunk screws. Choose a rigid mounting surface like the a-pillar, dash, or plastic lining inside of the vehicle for the best result. Please note that SureCam does not supply the self-tapping or countersunk screws for installation using the Screw Mount Method.
- Place the u-mount in the desired position within the cab.
- Mark the desired positioning using the two mounting holes located on the mount.
- Once you have selected and marked the position, tap or drill small holes in the
mounting surface. - Secure the u-mount to the mounting surface using two small countersunk screws.
Special Notes for U-Mount Installation
When opting to use self-tapping screws as an alternative screw method, you do not need to tap or drill small holes in the mounting surface as this action is satisfied when screwing the self-tapping screws in place.
Always use caution when choosing your secondary camera mounting location. Choose an
area that does not have sensitive wiring or materials behind the surface. Also, choose a location that the camera will not be easily obstructed when the driver is utilizing the moveable interior parts like the sun visor or headrest on the passenger seat etc.
Installing the Ball Camera
Please note when securing the secondary camera to the u-mount, there is an engraved line on
the ball camera casing that is used to indicate the up-right capture of video. This line must
point toward the roof of the vehicle for video footage to be captured at the proper orientation. The remaining steps for ball camera installation are listed below:
- Loosen the long hex bolt to allow the u-mount to slide open.
- Place the ball camera inside the u-mount with the engraved line on the ball camera
pointing up toward the roof of the vehicle. - Gently tighten the hex bolt to hold the ball camera in place.
Using the View Monitor for Installation Quality Check
A monitor can be used during installation to check the view and position of the cameras,
allowing you to bypass the VTS video check steps outlined in the forward-facing camera installation process. These steps are outlined below:
- Plug the monitor into the brown fakra connector onboard the main dashboard-mounted
camera. - Turn on the vehicle ignition to power on the camera.
- Once powered on, the monitor will display the image viewable from the main dashboard
mounted camera. - After verifying that the camera is presenting an acceptable forward-facing view, you are ready to switch the monitor view to the secondary camera. Press and hold the button on the main dashboard-mounted camera for 5 seconds to switch the view. The monitor will now display the view from the secondary camera.
- Adjust the secondary camera as necessary to present an acceptable in-cab or rear-facing view.
With this, you are ready to wire your camera and begin device calibreation. Please review the steps below for further instuctions.
Proper wiring for your connected camera device is an important step in your ensuring the functionality of your device. After mounting your connected camera, follow the instructions in our wiring guide below, or read our installation manual PFD to connect your camera to the vehicle power source.
Forward-Facing Camera Wiring
Wiring instructions: Locating the Power Source
Please locate the fuse panel power source specific to your vehicle. More information about the location of your fuse panel can be found in your vehicle's handbook. Once located, please remove the panel to access the fuse box.
Cable chart
The fuse box should contain the following wires. Each color represents a different function. They are outlined below. Please note that you can disregard the green and white wires listed above by capping them off.
Once you have located the fuse box, tuck and route the power cable that is protruding from the camera behind the dash or headliner to the desired location of the power source. Make sure associated cables are routed and tucked in an area that does not obstruct the driver's view. The wires can be tucked behind the roof lining or interior trims, as well as kept in place using wire clips to secure cables around the edge of the windscreen.
Follow the wiring instructions in the order that they appear below:
Connect the Ground Wire
Connect the brown earth/ground wire to the grounding source of the vehicle first. (See your vehicle user manual for the proper factory grounding source location. The vehicle chassis or grounding source is generally found near the fuse panel area.)
Connect the Fuse and Fuse Holders to the Ignition and Live Wires
- Connect the supplied fuse and fuse holder to the black ignition wire.
- Next, connect the supplied fuse and fuse holder to the red live wire.
Connect Fuse Lines to Power Source
Connect the fuse lines to the correct power source of the vehicle which can be
identified in the user manual for your vehicle. After wiring is complete, check for correct voltage using a multimeter. The voltage should read around 11 volts if the vehicle ignition is turned off, and around 14 volts if the ignition is on.
Dual-Facing Camera Wiring
After selecting your desired mounting location and successfully mounting the camera, you can begin the wiring process. SureCam utilizes a combined GPS and LTE antenna for LTE connected camera devices for ease of installation. The combined antenna comes equipped with adhesive tape for installation on
the windshield.
To start, locate the combined LTE antenna in your installation kit. See below for an image of the LTE antenna:
Location and Windshield Preparation
Next, you will need to determine the location of the combined antenna in your vehicle's windshield. We typically recommend a discreet location at either the top or bottom of the windshield so as not to impair the driver's view of the road.
Once the location has been selected, clean the area of the windshield with a lint-free cloth and be sure the glass is free of all dust and debris. (If using an alcohol-based cleaner, wait for the glass to dry.)
Attach the Combined Antenna to the Windshield
Once you have prepared your windshield, remove the adhesive backing tape and stick the antenna to the desired location on the windshield. Press firmly on the antenna starting from the center and working our way outward, until it is fixed securely to the windshield. Be sure that the black panel with your combined antenna can lay flat and face the sky for satellite connection.
Once the placement is complete, visually inspect the antenna from the outside front of the vehicle to ensure that there are no bubbles in the adhesive and that the wire is securely bonded to the window.
Connecting to the Power Source
The end of the combined antenna, see image above, contains connection ends represented by a blue connector (GPS power supply) and a red connector (LTE power supply). You will first connect the GPS connector to the camera GPS wire on your wiring harness. You will then connect the LTE connector to the LTE camera wire on your wiring harness.
For your final step, connect the pink fakra cable connected to the ball camera into the 6 pin connector in your wiring harness. Please note the steps below for special precautions.
Combined Antenna (LTE) Warnings & Precautions
- For the best performance, the antenna should not be shielded by any metal components.
- Do not cross-connect the GPS and the LTE power source. Mixing the power connections
will result in camera malfunction.
With this, you are ready for device calibration and over the road use. Read the steps below for further instructions.
Calibration
How do I calibrate my connected camera device?
Now that you have finished mounting and wiring your SureCam connected camera, it is important to calibrate your device to ensure connectivity to the GPS and cellular network.
What should I look for when calibrating my device?
You will be looking for a solid orange LED light, a slow flashing red LED light, and a solid green LED light. These lights will be found in the lower left-hand side of your camera.
Please be sure the vehicle is outdoors before attempting to calibrate your camera as installing inside of a building could interfere with your GPS and cellular network connectivity. If you do not see the appropriate light sequence after following the steps below please move your vehicle to an outdoor location to finish the device calibration.
Calibration Steps
Attempt to power on your camera by turning on the vehicle ignition. The LED lights on your device will display a light sequence indicating its current state of connectivity. The appropriate sequence is listed again below for convenience:
- Solid orange LED light
- Slow flashing red LED light
- Solid green LED light
The presence of these lights will confirm that your dash camera is powered, connected to GPS and the cellular network, and ready to record video and telemetry data. It may take five minutes for your device to fully power on and flash in the correct LED sequence.
If you have confirmed that the vehicle is outdoors and the appropriate light sequence is still not displayed after powering on the vehicle, consider performing a Hard Reset on your camera to recalibrate. If an unusual light sequence continues to display, you may refer to our LED Light Guide for more information.
Camera Quality Check
Once the appropriate light sequence appears, you can check the camera quality by performing a button push and checking for footage on your online platform. To trigger the camera to record, power on the ignition and press the small button located on the left side of your connected camera device.
The green LED light will slowly flash indicating that the camera is transmitting the video. Once the green LED light is solid, power down the vehicle and wait for all LED lights to power off completely.
You can then have a representative from your company log into your SureCam account to check that the video recorded successfully. For assistance locating your video on your online platform, check out our VTS and View/Pro guide for assistance. Once you have confirmed the successful recording of your footage, your connected camera installation is complete.
For any additional questions, please reach out to Support@SureCam.com (US) or CustomerServiceUK@SureCam.com (global) for troubleshooting assistance.